How to Control Your Dogs Barking

A dog that constantly barks whenever it is left alone can be a major problem for owners, especially those with neighbors close by. However, you don't need to suffer the stress this can cause, some simple training methods can help control your dogs barking.

Dog barking can be a major problem, particularly if you get complaints from neighbors. This article helps identify what causes your dog to bark and how you can control it

If you have a dog that barks a lot before going the full length of despair it is important to remember that it is really our fault that dogs bark. Dog descended from wolf. Wolves howl - they don't bark. Humans bred barking into dogs.

If possible, before purchasing a dog consider the breed, as some breeds are more inclined to bark.

In simple terms dogs bark for two reasons. Either they bark at something or they bark for something.

A dog barking at something is usually easier to solve. Once you identify what they are barking at, you need to decide if you are happy that they bark at that. For example, they may bark when they hear a noise at the door. You may find this useful as a form of guard dog and decide to let them bark. You will still need to train them to stop barking when you say so but you should let them give out a few barks first to let them know they are correct to bark at this until you decide they can stop.

In the case of your dog barking at something you don't want them to bark at, the best way is to train them not to bark when that something occurs. For example assume your dog barks whenever the washing machine is on. You could put the washing machine on and get your dog to stop barking (the best way is to physically close your dog’s mouth and keep it closed repeating the stop barking command. Keep repeating until they stop barking). Switch the machine off and then back on again and repeat this until your dog learns not to bark when the washing machine is on. It may take a lot of attempts and patience.

A dog barking for something can be more difficult to address. They may bark because they are hungry, want exercise, want to get your attention or need outside for the toilet. In the case of a dog barking for your attention, consider first that your dog is part of your family. Dogs are naturally sociable animals and if they have been left alone for long periods of time, maybe they deserve a bit of your time.

If it is your attention they want the best way is to ignore them until they stop barking. Wait a minute or two longer and then reward them. If you try and physically close your dogs mouth they may well deem this interaction as reward for their barking, making the issue worse. As always patience and repetition are the key.

A dog barking when you are away is a real problem that is difficult to address - not least because it really only happens when you are away. You may not know about it until your neighbors complain.

As said, dogs are sociable animals and thrive on interaction. Hence, it’s only natural for your dog to get lonely and upset when you are away. However, there are a few things you can try to address the problem:

1. Get a friend to visit during the day when you are away.
2. If possible, try and come home more often or a few times per day. 
3. When you are at home, go out of the house until your dog starts barking and then come in and use your stop barking command. If you keep repeating this, your dog may learn not to bark. However, be careful that your dog doesn't learn that by barking you will immediately show up. You may have to just leave your dog barking for while before returning and rewarding them for being quiet when you return.
4. Arrange for daytime dog care.
   

There are other things you can do but I personally would not recommend them. These include bark collars, muzzles or even surgery. If it gets to this sort of stage, I would go down the line of day care.

Article Tags: Stop Barking, Washing Machine

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